possibility of following
her. The highest praise is due to Captain Hood, the officers,
and men of the Venerable, for their spirit and gallantry in this
action, which entitled them to better success. The French ship
was an eighty-four, with additional guns on the gunwale. This
action was so near the shore that the Venerable struck on one of
the shoals; but was soon after got off, and taken in tow by the
Thames, though with the loss of all her masts.

The enemy's ships are now in sight to the westward, standing in
for Cadiz; the Superb and Audacious, with the captured ship, are
in sight, with the Carlotta, Portuguese frigate, commanded by
Captain Crawford Duncan, who very handsomely came out with the
squadron, and has been of the greatest assistance to Captain
Keats in staying by the enemy's ship captured by the Superb.

I am proceeding with the squadron for Rosia Bay, and shall
proceed, the moment all the ships are refitted, to resume my
station before Cadiz; and shall immediately detach the Thames to
cruise off Cape St. Mary's.

No praises that I can bestow are adequate to the merits of the
officers and ships' companies of all the squadron, particularly
for their unremitted exertions in refitting the ships at
Gibraltar; to which, in a great degree, is to be ascribed the
success of the squadron against the enemy.

Although the Spencer and Audacious had not the good fortune to
partake of this action, I have no doubt of their exertion, had
they come up in time to close with the enemy's ships.

My thanks are also due to Captain Holles of the Thames, and to
the Honourable Captain Dundas of the Calpe, whose assistance was
particularly useful to Captain Keats in securing the enemy's
ship, and enabling the Superb to stand after the squadron in
case of being enabled to renew the action with the enemy.

I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.

Caesar, off Cape Trafalgar, 14th July 1801.

SIR,

I herewith enclose, for their lordships' further information,
the statement I have received from Captain Keats, to whom the
greatest praise is due for his gallant conduct in the service
alluded to. Captain Hood's merits are held in too high
estimation to receive additional lustre from any praise I can
bestow; but I o